QBs and 10 more notable names to watch for in Day 3 of draft

Apr. 27, 2013
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by Nate Davis, USA TODAY Sports

by Nate Davis, USA TODAY Sports

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Three rounds of the NFL draft down, four to go Saturday. Today's story will surely revolve around the prominent quarterbacks yet to come off the board, but there are several other names to keep an eye on:

QB Matt Barkley, USC: Projected as a high first-round pick had he entered the 2012 draft, Barkley, who hurt his shoulder at the end of last season, is still waiting the NFL's call in what is almost universally regarded as a weak quarterback draft. It's hard not to admire his leadership and production, but how much is the medical packet and less-than-stellar arm scaring teams? And remember, Trojan passers don't necessarily have a strong NFL track record. Possible fit: Cardinals

QB Ryan Nassib, Syracuse: So much for possibly sneaking into the first round and reuniting with former Orange coach Doug Marrone in Buffalo. Nassib's moxie and field presence seem to be off the charts, but his accuracy seems to be all over the chart. Possible fit: Jaguars

QB Matt Scott, Arizona: Don't be surprised to hear his name called before better known passers such as Tyler Bray, Tyler Wilson or Landry Jones. Scott has the arm and mobility teams that favor the read-option scheme will value, skills that could also make him a highly coveted backup. Possible fit: 49ers

RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA: He's got decent vision and size (5-10, 205) and enough speed. He's not ready to be a three-down back, and ball security is an issue, but Franklin is probably good enough to start as a rookie. Possible fit: Colts

RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina: No back in this entire draft possesses the talent of Lattimore, who was a beloved teammate with the Gamecocks. Of course, he comes with asterisks, namely four torn knee ligaments over the last two years. A team that can afford to stash him on IR for a season might get hugely rewarded in 2014. Possible fit: 49ers

WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech: Starring against WAC competition isn't exactly a plus, but he might be good enough to develop into a No. 1 wideout given time and coaching. Possible fit: Raiders

OL Barrett Jones, Alabama: Twice a consensus All-American, he's played every position on the offensive line. He's very intelligent and tough, playing through a Lisfranc injury to win a third ring with the Tide at the end of the 2012 season. Possible fit: Jaguars

DE Alex Okafor, Texas: Not necessarily a lot of flash here, but Okafor can probably plug in as a base left end for a 4-3 team from Day 1. Possible fit: Buccaneers

NT Jesse Williams, Alabama: Aussie transplant is that rarest of things - a nose tackle that ranges all over the field. And at 6-3, 323 pounds, Williams also eats up plenty of space. Possible fit: Texans

LB Khaseem Greene, Rutgers: Productive player who can cover a lot ground if he's not asked to take on a lot of guards. Possible fit: Lions

LB Mike Mauti, Penn State: All-American has non-stop motor and finely tuned leadership skills that helped galvanize his teammates through some of the most difficult seasons in the history of Nittany Lion football. His knee injuries haven't helped his stock, but the NFL won't be too big for him once he arrives. Possible fit: Vikings

CB B.W. Webb, William & Mary: Smart, small-school guy who held up well against the big boys at the Senior Bowl. Can return kicks and ideally suited to the slot. Possible fit: Eagles

S Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse: He's short (5-9) but not small (213 pounds). Thomas can lay the wood to running backs but has enough wiggle to be an asset in coverage. He'll make a nice rover somewhere. Possible fit: Panthers